Moscow calls on Serbia and Kosovo to hold direct talks

Russia is urging Belgrade and Pristina to have direct negotiations and has promised support for any solution acceptable to Serbia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the statement at a news conference following

“Russia is sticking to its previous proposal to the UN Security Council which calls for the resumption of direct negotiations between Belgrade and Pristina,” Lavrov said.

“We’ve confirmed again to our Serbian partners that Russia will back any solution, any outcome acceptable to Belgrade. We stand on this important decision and it remains in force. We’ve agreed to closely co-ordinate our future moves on this issue and its consideration in the UN,” he added.

Lavrov also said Russia will support Serbia’s appeal in the UN General Assembly, requesting the stance of the international court over current events in Kosovo. The Russian Foreign Minister also warned that attempts to hamper that process will only prove that all those who deal with it act by unlawful methods.